Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Chattanooga, TN (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Virginia Beach is 44% more expensive than Chattanooga.

$1,649/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 30%
$90,685/yr ↑ 49%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 33%
$366,300 ↑ 41%
Home Value
$259,200 ↓ 29%
$1,704/mo ↑ 53%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 35%
457,066
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $494/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $5,928/year.

Median household income is $29,657/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $494/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $29,657/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Tennessee?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,155/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View Chattanooga details →

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